NCAA Senior VP Dan Gavitt releases statement on eligibility after Charles Bediako ruling

NCAA senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt has released a statement on eligibility in college basketball in light of the Charles Bediako ruling this week. His comments came after a call with the National Association of Basketball Coaches on Friday.

Bediako filed a lawsuit arguing for another year of eligibility this week, and a judge granted a temporary restraining order to make him eligible immediately. He is able to suit up for Alabama during Saturday’s game against Tennessee and a preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.

Bediako played at Alabama from 2021-23 before declaring for the NBA Draft. He went undrafted and has since played in the G-League, most recently as Jan. 17. He also signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs at one point. The reaction to the ruling has been swift, and Gavitt made the NCAA’s stance clear Friday.

Statement from NCAA senior vice president of Basketball Dan Gavitt about collegiate eligibility. pic.twitter.com/x559XtzI3p

— David Worlock (@DavidWorlock) January 23, 2026

“Several years ago, the NCAA membership updated rules regarding how student-athletes can gather information while making a decision on whether to enter the NBA draft or withdraw from the process to maintain their collegiate eligibility,” the statement read. “To participate in the draft without losing eligibility, college players must request an evaluation from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee.

“They can also participate in the NBA Draft Combine without compromising their eligibility, and agents certified by the National Basketball Player’s Association and the NCAA can pay for meals and transportation for players and their families during the agent selection process and for meetings with pro teams. Players have until 10 days following the NBA Draft Combine (late May) to decide whether to remain in the draft or return to compete in NCAA basketball. Players who remain in the draft forfeit college eligibility.

“If these rules surrounding the NCAA pre- and post-draft rules cannot be enforced, it would create an unstable environment for the student-athletes, schools building a roster for the following season and the NBA. The NCAA membership has a set of rules in place regarding the pre- and post-draft NBA draft eligibility that have clearly been in place and supported by all parties until these recent court challenges.”

The Charles Bediako ruling is the latest eligibility decision involving a former NBA G-League player. Former draft selection James Nnaji received immediate eligibility at Baylor last month, though he never signed an NBA contract or had previously played college basketball. In that case, the NCAA made the decision, while Bediako’s came via a court ruling.

In the meantime, Alabama coach Nate Oats confirmed Bediako will be available Saturday against Tennessee. When asked about the situation, he pointed to the other decisions involving former professionals.

“Since the NCAA has already allowed professionals to play … you tell me how I’m supposed to not support Charles and the team when he’s been told he’s able to play?” Oats said.